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Signs of Summer End, West Michigan Offshore's Last Run of 2017

It seems as if the summer boating season had just begun, but West Michigan Offshore's final run of the year just took place this previous Saturday. Hard to believe the first signal of the end of the boating year has already taken place.

Start of the run in the Grand Haven channel. Special escort by the County's fire patrol boat.
They must have known there was a group of "Hot" boats heading out.

The day started out a bit cool. The forecast was for a high of 71, and the Lake Michigan water temps were in the high 60's. There were major decisions to be made. Like, shorts or jeans??? Lake Michigan was supposed to be flat to 1', making the big offshore boats think the run would be a bit on the boring side of things.

A few of the boats on the opening leg from Grand Haven to White Lake.

Lake Michigan stayed pretty nice most of the way. These shots were from the early part of the 22 mile run. The lake did begin to increase in size as the run progressed to the north. But it stayed calm enough so it wasn't a huge challenge for any of the participants.

Entering White Lake from Lake Michigan through the channel.

Once the boats arrived at the entry to White Lake, it was a short no-wake cruise through the channel, then back up on plane for the trip to tie up and eat lunch. The weather was actually warmer than predicted by the weathermen, and the sun was staying out.

The large pier at White Lake Moorings had plenty of room to tie up all of the boats who made the run to lunch. They were extremely helpful, and the facility was in great condition. If you were really tall, you just had to remember to watch out for the fishing line seagull defender.

The Crosswinds On The Lake restaurant, right where the pier hit the shore, had a great outside patio for everyone to enjoy while looking out over the lake and the boats.

Time to head back to the boats after lunch for the run back. Not everyone was going back to Grand Haven. Some to Muskegon, some to Mona Lake, some to Pigeon Lake.

And back out the channel from White Lake to Lake Michigan.

The lake had kicked up a bit during the lunch break. Just enough to have fun, not enough to make the run back unbearable.

There is a reason people like to run Lake Michigan's Michigan shoreline. The dunes and woodlands are absolutely beautiful. I think a fall "Color" run should be discussed in the future....

Some of the boats heading into the narrow channel to access Mona Lake.

Obviously, Ethan didn't think the run back was very rough. He slept the entire way!
It didn't even phase him when we hit some larger rollers where we all got wet.

This shot is for Ethan. Last trip it was the baby ducks, this trip the almost adult swans.

He's probably still disappointed I didn't bring a helicopter though.
I believe the club has found a great new venue between White Lakes Moorings and the Crosswinds restaurant. The run was a complete success and I'm assuming those who registered, but couldn't make it, are more than just a little disappointed. The run is short enough to not be tedious, but long enough to enjoy new sights on the way to Whitehall.

The weather cooperated. The Lake cooperated. And the run went off without a hitch. It's just hard to believe it will be next year before we do this again.